5 Healthy Fast Food Alternatives

You’re always on the go and may not have time to come home and cook every night – I get it! But the mistake many busy Americans’ make is rushing through the unhealthiest fast-food drives. There are nutritious alternatives to fast service rather than a quick quarter-pounder and 5-piece nugget. Here is my list of New Jersey’s 5 healthiest fast-food stops:

Muscle Maker Grill – You see the Jersey shore cast members frequently dine here, because it offers the same quick, convenient benefits of fast food, but without all of the unwanted fats, oils and carbohydrates. The menu offers healthy alternatives of American, Asian, Cajun, Italian, Mexican and Southwestern dishes.

Energy Kitchen – Has a menu full of tasty high-protein, high-fiber meals and smoothies that are all made within minutes. Most of these fantastic fast-food locations are in Manhattan, but they are quickly spreading to the garden state including the opening of the Hoboken location (96 Hudson Street).

Panera Bread – Provides healthy soup, salad and sandwich combos. For the kids: try squeezable organic yogurt, PB&J (with all-natural peanut butter), and grilled organic cheese on white whole-grain bread. Yum!

Au Bon Pain – Quickly serves up sandwiches, low-cal soups, salads, and hot entrees made with whole grains, veggies, and hormone-free chicken. Au Bon Pain also provides on-site nutritional information via computer kiosks.

McDonald’s – Never did I think these golden arches would be making it onto my “healthiest” list, but its menu is now offering more heart- and waist-friendly items like 260- to 270-calorie snack wraps, a variety of salads and a side of apple dippers (with low-fat caramel) instead of fries for the kids.

Posted in Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants